Worker Protection While Working De-Energized Underground Distribution Systems

This paper describes three methods ofworking de-energized underground distribution systems. The three methods can be applied individually or simultaneously as necessary to ensure the least exposure to any possible potential. The items to be considered with the use of each work method used to protect workers from voltages that might develop in the work area are discussed. This paper applies to underground residential distribution (URD) and underground commercial distribution (UCD) looped and radial cable systems and their associated devices, operating at nominal voltages between 600 V and 46 kV. This paper does not cover transmission cables, submarine cables, lead sheath cables, or network systems.